Vet to receive Bronze Star at Fort Knox for Vietnam heroics

FORT KNOX, Ky. (AP) – The Army is giving a Bronze Star Medal to a Vietnam War veteran who saved a fellow soldier’s life after a helicopter crash.

Fort Knox says Vernon Rose will receive the high military honor on Friday.

The award is for his heroics after a Huey helicopter crash that was downed by enemy fire on Jan. 22, 1968.

After the crash, Rose made his way through thick brush and enemy small arms fire to get to the helicopter. The award citation says he carried a wounded crewmember to safety, saving his life.

The award was approved in 1968, but Rose never collected it.

A ceremony will be held at Fort Knox’s Waybur Theater Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.